Device for measuring pressure in automobile air conditioner and charging same with refrigerant and method of same

ABSTRACT

A portable device for measuring the refrigerant pressure in an automobile air conditioning system and, if needed, charging the system with additional refrigerant, is provided. An actuator is coupled to a pressurized container that selectively opens the container valve. A hose is provided, the first end of which is connected to the actuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A T-connector with a check valve is disposed in the hose, and a pressure gauge is connected to the T-connector. When the second end of the hose is coupled to a service port and the actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to a service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant is released from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of patent application Ser. No.10/664,507, filed Sep. 16, 2003, soon to issue as U.S. Pat. No.6,978,636.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to devices for servicing automotive systems suchas automobile air conditioning systems and more specifically to devicesallowing the ordinary consumer to measure pressure in automobile airconditioner and charging same with refrigerant.

2. Description of Related Art

Automobile air conditioners, like most air conditioners, use gaseouschemicals called refrigerants to cool air. In accordance withGay-Lussac's Law, which isP/T=P′/T′ where V is constant (1)and where P=pressure, T=temperature, V=volume, as the pressure of acompressed gas increases, its temperature increases. Similarly, as thepressure of the gas decreases, the temperature of the gas decreases. Inthis manner, gas is compressed and then expanded, and air is blown overthat portion of the system in which the gas is expanded, and thus theblown air is cooled. This is the basic concept of most refrigeration andair conditioning systems.

Since the pressure of the refrigerant plays an integral part of howefficiently an air conditioning system functions (or if it functions atall), it is desirable to be able to check the pressure of therefrigerant in the air conditioning system to insure that sufficientrefrigerant is present. If the system pressure is too low, there willnot be sufficient gas to compress and then expand, and the resultantchange in temperature will be decreased; the air blown over the cooledportion of the system will, in turn, not be cooled sufficiently. Becausethe system is subject to significant swings in temperature and frequentthermal cycling—owing both to the action of the air conditioner as wellas from the heat of the engine—, joints have a tendency to expand andcontract, and refrigerant can slowly leak out of a system over time,even without the presence of a serious breach in the integrity of thesystem. Also, in an air-conditioning system, the hoses are slightlyR-134a-permeable, and the refrigerant will slowly leak out of the hoseitself. This was not a problem when air conditioners were running onR-12, since R-12 has a larger molecule than R-134a and leaked lessfrequently. One must keep a vigilant eye on the refrigerant level inone's automobile air conditioner for the air conditioner to function atoptimal levels.

Typical automotive air conditioners are provided with at least oneservice port to allow for the addition of refrigerant and otherchemicals as well as to allow a qualified mechanic to check the level ofthe refrigerant in the system. There are, however, many automobileowners who choose to perform routine maintenance on their vehiclesthemselves. This market is commonly referred to as the “do-it-yourself”market, for self-evident reasons.

A standard tool for servicing automobile air conditioners is a set ofmanifold gauges. This device usually includes three hoses and twogauges: one hose connects to the low pressure service port, one hoseconnects to the high pressure service port, and the third hose connectsto the source of refrigerant. The two gauges measure the pressure at thehigh and low pressure service ports, respectively. One must know theapproximate ambient temperature and look up the pressure readings of thegauges on a chart to determine if there is sufficient refrigerant in thesystem. Manifold gauges are the standard tool for professional automechanics, but they are not popular with do-it-yourself consumers, asthey are very complicated to use. Moreover, an amateur should not beopening and using the high pressure service port of the auto airconditioner since there is a much greater risk of injury than with thelow pressure side.

A number of products have been developed by the assignee of the instantinvention that allow the do-it-yourselfer to perform maintenance on anautomobile air conditioner safely and easily. Some examples aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,032; U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,453; and U.S.Pat. No. 6,467,283, all to Trachtenberg, the teachings of which are allherein incorporated by reference. These products include methods andkits for changing an air conditioning system over from using R-12 toR134a and a kit for servicing an air conditioning system.

The servicing kit of U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,453 includes a unitary hoseconnection for servicing an automobile air conditioning system. A firstconnector is disposed at one end and is connectable with a low pressureservice port of an automobile air conditioning system, and a secondconnector is disposed at the other end of the hose and is selectivelyconnectable with both a pressure gauge and a can tap valve. The can tapvalve is attachable to a can of compressed refrigerant. When a pressuregauge is attached to the second connector and the first connector isattached to the service port, the pressure of the refrigerant in theautomobile air conditioning system can be measured. When the secondconnector is attached to the can tap valve, the compressed refrigerantin the can may be introduced into the automobile air conditioning systemto thereby service the system. The hose connection, pressure gauge, cantap valve, and can (or cans) of refrigerant may be packaged together ina kit.

While the above-described servicing system is quite useful for servicingan automobile air conditioner, it is still a little cumbersome to use,in that it requires at least two connections to be made in order tomeasure the pressure of the refrigerant in the air conditioner and addmore refrigerant to the air conditioner. Every time the hose is removedfrom the port, a quantity of the pressurized gas spurts out of the hose,and air can enter the hose when it is disconnected. This enables air—andany impurities in the air—to be introduced into the air conditioner andthreatens to lessen the performance of the system. Also, if a user isnot careful when using the servicing kit and removes the pressure gaugewhile the hose is still attached to the service port, the refrigerantand oil will come shooting out of the system via the hose, invariably inthe direction of the user. Thus, the servicing kit described is notquite “idiot-proof.”

Another drawback to conventional do-it-yourself systems is that it isdifficult to know when one has added sufficient refrigerant. With theservicing kit of U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,453, one must repeatedly connectand disconnect the hose alternatively to the gauge and the container inorder to check on the progress of the recharging of the system. Also, itis not very convenient to store any refrigerant remaining in thecontainer. One must close the can tap valve completely and keep thevalve connected to the can. Failure to close the can tap valvecompletely will result in the refrigerant leaking out of the container.Even when fully closed, they tend to leak.

Such a can tap valve is present in a recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,385 toFerris et al. A disadvantage of such a system is that in order to closethe can tap valve and stop the flow of refrigerant into the airconditioner, one must repeatedly turn the handle or knob of the valveuntil the valve is fully closed. This procedure can take severalseconds, during which refrigerant continues to leave the container andenter the air conditioning system. In other words, if one wanted to stopadding refrigerant to the system at a given point, one would have toknow what that point was in advance. (A similar system was sold by theinstant assignee in the 1980s as model no. HA-20, in which a check valvewas disposed in the piercing valve.). One cannot switch quickly betweenmeasuring the pressure in the system to adding additional refrigerant tothe system and back again. It is also difficult to tell if the can tapvalve has been fully closed when it is intended to be closed. Should thecan tap valve be left partially open, the pressure readings on the gaugewill be affected. Should the can tap valve be left partially open andthe device be disconnected from the air conditioning system, the devicewill vent refrigerant into the atmosphere.

There is a need for a device to allow a typical consumer to measure therefrigerant pressure in his automobile air conditioner easily and safelyand, if the level is low, to add additional refrigerant and possiblyother chemicals such as leak detector, lubricant, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple and easy-to-usedevice for the do-it-yourself mechanic to check the refrigerant level ofhis automobile air conditioner and add refrigerant and/or otherchemicals thereto.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for measuringand charging the refrigerant level of an automobile air conditioner bymaking a single connection of a device to the service port of the airconditioner.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for measuringand charging the refrigerant level of an automobile air conditioner thatcan switch between measuring and charging easily, rapidly, and safely.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for measuringand charging the refrigerant level of an automobile air conditioner thatcan switch between measuring and charging and back at the touch of abutton.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for measuringand charging the refrigerant level of an automobile air conditioner thatcan be turned around for easy reading of the pressure gauge no matterthe configuration of the air conditioner and the neighboring componentsunder the hood.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for checkingthe level of a automobile air conditioner which cannot accidentally ventthe contents of the air conditioner.

The above and other objects are fulfilled by the invention, which is adevice for servicing an automobile air conditioner. The device includesa pressurized container of at least one chemical addable to the airconditioner, the container having a first valve. An actuator is coupledto the first valve that selectively opens the first valve. In the caseof an acme threaded container, the first valve may be integral with theactuator rather than the container. A hose is provided having a firstend and a second end; the first end of the hose is connected to theactuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of anautomobile air conditioner, preferably the low pressure service port. Apressure gauge is disposed in-line in the hose between the first end andthe second end in communication with the second end. When the second endof the hose is coupled to an automobile air conditioner service port andthe actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure ofthe air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to an automobile airconditioner service port and the actuator is activated, the at least onechemical is released from the pressurized container and into the airconditioner via the hose and the service port.

The pressure gauge is preferably attached to the hose via a novelT-connector in accordance with the invention. The novel T-connectorincludes an inlet in communication with the first end of the hose, afirst outlet in communication with the pressure gauge, and a secondoutlet in communication with the second end of the hose. The T-connectorpreferably includes a check valve, biased closed to enable flow in fromthe second outlet to the first outlet to enable communication betweenthe service port and the gauge. When the actuator is activated, thepressurized chemical released from the container overcomes the bias ofthe check valve and exits the T-connector via the second outlet. Thecheck valve preferably includes a stopper seatable on a shoulder and aspring biasing the stopper onto the shoulder to close the valve. Thecheck valve is preferably disposed in the hose between the gauge and thecontainer. The check valve is biased closed to enable flow from theservice port to the gauge.

The inventive device may be sold as a single integral unit with thefirst end of the hose permanently connected to the actuator and theactuator permanently connected to the container, or it may be sold as akit with the first end of the hose being removably connected to theactuator and the actuator being removably connected to the container.The device may include or be sold separately from the pressurizedcontainer.

The preferred container is an aerosol can having a valve that includes avalve stem (although an acme can may be employed instead). For such acontainer, the actuator preferably includes a housing snap-fittable ontoa shoulder of the pressurized container, and a button attached to thehousing in a cantilever matter. The button includes a fluid flow path incommunication with the valve stem and the first end of the hose.

More preferably and specifically, the invention is a portable device formeasuring an amount of refrigerant in an automobile air conditioner andadding additional refrigerant thereinto so as to elevate the refrigerantlevel in the air conditioner to a predetermined level. A pressurizedcontainer is provided of at least refrigerant addable to the airconditioner, the container having a first valve. An actuator is coupledto the container valve that selectively opens the container valve. Ahose is connected at a first end to the actuator, and the second end iscoupleable to a service port of the air conditioner. A pressure gauge isdisposed in the hose between the first end and the second end incommunication with the second end. When the second end is coupled to anautomobile air conditioner service port and the actuator is notactivated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the refrigerant inthe air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to an automobile airconditioner service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant isreleased from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner viathe hose and the service port.

Although the invention may include an acme threaded can, the containeris preferably an aerosol can having a valve that includes a valve stem.The actuator preferably comprises a housing press-fittable onto ashoulder of the pressurized container and a button attached to thehousing in a cantilever matter, the button including a fluid flow pathin communication with the valve stem and the first end of the hose. Auser switches from measuring existing refrigerant in the automobile airconditioner to adding additional refrigerant by depressing the button.The user switches back from adding additional refrigerant to measuringexisting refrigerant in the automobile air conditioner by releasing thebutton. The container, actuator, hose, and pressure gauge are preferablyintegrally attached.

The invention also includes a novel T-connector junction adapted tocharge an automobile air conditioner in an after-market ordo-it-yourself environment. The main body has a first passage incommunication with and receiving a source of refrigerant, a secondpassage, and a third passage connectable to an automobile airconditioner service port. At least one of the first and third passagesincluding a stem rotatably disposed in and projecting from the mainbody. A check valve is disposed in the T-connector at a proximal end ofthe first passage. The check valve preferably comprises a stopperseatable on a shoulder, and a spring biasing the stopper onto theshoulder to close the valve. The check valve is biased closed to enableflow in from the third passage to the second passage. When fluid isintroduced from the first passage at a pressure greater than the biasingpressure of the check valve, the fluid from the first passage passesthrough the check valve and exits the T-connector via the third passage.A pressure gauge is preferably connected to the second passage, whereinwhen the check valve is closed, the pressure gauge measures a fluidpressure of the automobile air conditioner via the third passage.

The stem is preferably included in at least the first passage and morepreferably in both the first and third passages. When the main body isrotated relative to the stem or stems, the pressure gauge turns with themain body. That is, the main body and pressure gauge can swivel orrotate around the axis of any hose to which it is attached withouttwisting the hose or hoses.

The invention is preferably used in the following manner. The second endof the hose is attached to a service port of an automobile airconditioner. The pressure gauge is read to determine the level ofrefrigerant in the air conditioner. If the pressure reading is lowerthan a predetermined pressure level, the user depresses a button on theactuator to charge the automobile air conditioner with additionalrefrigerant from the container. The button is released, and the abovesteps of measuring and charging the air conditioner are repeated asneeded until the refrigerant pressure in the automobile air conditionerreaches the predetermined pressure level.

One can readily appreciate that the invention is easy to use. One needonly connect the distal end of the hose to the low pressure serviceport, and the pressure of the system is quickly displayed on thepressure gauge. If the system has sufficient refrigerant, no furtheraction is required. If the system is low on refrigerant, all one need dois activate the actuator, e.g., depress the button on the container. Thepressure in the container overcomes the bias of the check valve, andpressurized refrigerant is released into system via the service port.One may easily monitor the progress of how much refrigerant is added tothe system by simply removing one's thumb from the actuatorperiodically; once the actuator is no longer activated, the pressuregauge resumes reading air conditioner refrigerant pressure. Thus, onecan check the system pressure, squeeze in some refrigerant, re-check thesystem pressure, add more refrigerant if necessary, check the systempressure again, etc.

The invention is also safe to remove and store, even with a quantity ofrefrigerant remaining in the container. When one is finished and thesystem is fully charged, one need only remove the distal end of the hosefrom the service port. The valve on the container is normally biasedclosed, so the user need not remember to close the valve or take anyactive steps to prevent the refrigerant remaining in the can fromescaping. When the container is empty, the device can still be used asan easy-to-use pressure gauge for the low pressure service port of theair conditioner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a device in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device in accordance with theinvention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view of the device in accordancewith the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a T-connector in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the T-connector of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the T-connector of FIG. 4 taken along lineA-A.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the T-connector of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the T-connector of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the stem of the T-connector of FIG.4.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of the coil spring of the T-connectorof FIG. 4.

FIG. 10B is a top elevation view of the coil spring of the T-connectorof FIG. 4.

FIG. 11A is a side elevation view of the valve seal of the T-connectorof FIG. 4.

FIG. 11B is a top elevation view of the valve seal of the T-connector ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 12A is a side elevation view of the gasket of the T-connector ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 12B is a top elevation view of the gasket of the T-connector ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 13A is a side elevation view of a retaining ring of the T-connectorof FIG. 4.

FIG. 13B is a top elevation view of a retaining ring of the T-connectorof FIG. 4.

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of an actuator in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 14B is a top elevation view of the actuator of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a bottom elevation view of the actuator of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14D is a bottom perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14E is a side elevation view of the actuator of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14F is a front elevation view of the actuator of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of theactuator in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE DRAWINGS

Description will now be given of the invention with reference to theattached FIGS. 1-15. It should be noted that these figures are exemplaryin nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of the invention, whichis defined by the claims appearing hereinbelow.

As shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inventive device 20 includes acontainer or can 22 of pressurized chemicals for use in an automobileair conditioner. Such chemicals preferably include a refrigerant such asR-134a (tetrafluoroethane, or CH₂FCF₃), lubricant such as polyol esterlubricant, and optionally a leak sealing agent, a system cleaner, and/oran o-ring conditioner. The preferred type of container 22 is a standardaerosol can having a valve stem 24 (shown in FIG. 2 in shadow).

The contents of pressurized container 22 are released by use of actuator30. Actuator 30 generally includes a housing 32 which snaps onto theshoulder of container 22 and a cover 34 which prevents inadvertentactuation (explained below). Cover 34 can be a flip-top cover attachedto housing 32 via hinge 35, or it could be a removable cover. Theflip-top cover shown is preferred so as to prevent the misplacement ofthe cover. Actuator 30 includes button 36 which sits atop valve stem 24.Button 36 may be attached in a cantilever manner to housing 32, or itmay be a separate piece. When button 36 is depressed, it pushes valvestem 24 downward into container 22, thereby opening the container valveand allowing the contents of the container to exit via outlet 38.

A preferred actuator 30 is shown in FIGS. 14A-F. Housing 32 includes arim or lip 31 which snaps onto the shoulder of a standard aerosol cansuch as container 22. It is preferred that housing 32 fit extremelytightly on container 22 so it cannot be removed easily. Cover 34 ishingedly attached to housing 32 by hinge 35 and when closed, cover 34prevents the inadvertent actuation of actuator 30, e.g., when it is notconnected to a service port. Button 36 is provided attached to housing32. In the preferred embodiment, button 36 is attached by bridge piece37 at one point, so that button 36 is cantilever in nature. As shown inFIGS. 14A and B, the upper side of button 36 is preferably provided withridges 36A so as to provide increased friction for a person's finger andbetter ensure that the finger does not slip off of button 36 during use.The underside of button 36 is shown in FIGS. 14C and D. A centrallylocated hub 33 projects downward from the underside of button 36 and ispositioned to engage the valve of container 22. Disposed substantiallyin the center of hub 33 is cavity 33A which is adapted to receive valvestem 24 of container 22. Cavity 33A is deep enough to receive a portionof valve stem 24 but shallow enough to cause valve stem 24 to bottom outwhen button 36 is depressed. Cavity 33A is in communication with outlet38 via fluid flow path 39 formed in bridge piece 37. When button 36 isdepressed, hub 33 pushes down on valve stem 24, causing the containervalve to open and pressurized refrigerant to emerge from valve stem 24.The refrigerant enters cavity 33A, travels along fluid flow path 39, andexits actuator 30 via outlet 38.

An alternate embodiment of the actuator is shown in FIG. 15. Here,actuator 130 is substantially identical to actuator 30 described above,except that actuator 130 includes a threaded nozzle 138. Threaded nozzle138 enables the actuator to be connected to a threaded hose connectionto allow for the replacement of a hose section or the attachment ofnozzle 138 to another threaded structure.

Another main component of device 20 is hose 40. A first end 42 of hose40 is attached to actuator outlet 38; the attachment mechanism ispreferably permanent, such as by crimping a metal jacket or ferrule 43around hose end 42 and outlet 38, but it could be removably connected aswell, e.g., by use of a “quick-connect” connector, a threaded piece,etc. The second end 44 of hose 40 terminates in a connector 45 that canbe attached securely to a service port of an automobile air conditioner.The connector shown in FIG. 1 is a “quick-connect” type of connector,however any known or to-be-developed connector that can substantiallyseal to a service port can be used and is contemplated as part of theinvention.

Hose 40 preferably has an in-line T-connector 50 (see FIG. 3) which ispreferably secured to hose 40 by crimped metal ferrules 46 and 48. Moreprecisely, in the preferred embodiment, a first section of hose 40A isconnected to and between outlet 38 and T-connector 50, and a secondsection of hose 40B is a connected to and between T-connector 50 andconnector 45.

T-connector 50 is, in itself, an advance in fluid flow management in theafter-market auto air conditioner field. It is shown in great detail inFIGS. 4-13B. T-connector 50 has three branches connected to main body51: stem 52 is in communication with the air conditioner service portand includes flow path 52A; stem 54 is in communication with container22 and includes flow path 54A; and branch 56 is in communication withpressure gauge 70 and includes flow path 56A which terminates inthreaded cavity 57 (which receives the pressure gauge). Stems 52 and 54are preferably provided with barbs 53 so that when a hose is placedthereover and a ferrule is crimped onto the outside of the hose, it isdifficult to remove the stem from the hose.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, stem 54 is a separatepiece from and fit into main body 51 to facilitate construction ofT-connector 50 and its internal parts. It is also contemplated andpreferred that stem 52 be made as a separate piece from and fit intomain body 51. In either case, stems 52 and 54 (or just stem 54) arerotatably fit into main body 51 about the longitudinal axis of the stem,i.e., in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 6. If stem 54 is the only stemrotatably disposed in main body 51, then main body 51, pressure gauge70, and hose section 40B will be rotatable with respect to hose section40A. If both stems 52 and 54 are rotatably disposed in main body 51,then the T-connector 50 will be rotatable or swivelable independently ofeither portion of hose 40. The advantage of enabling T-connector 50 torotate with respect to one or both sections of hose 40 is that gauge 70will always be viewable by a user, even if connector 45 is attached tothe service port in such a way as to face gauge 70 away from the user.All the user need do is swivel T-connector 50 around until gauge 70 isin a convenient to read orientation.

Stem 54 includes an internal shoulder 59 (see FIG. 9) upon which stopper62 sits to close off flow path 54A. The preferred stopper 62 is themushroom-shaped stopper shown in FIG. 11, however a simple ball could beused instead. The simple ball stopper is more likely to leak owing tothe presence of an equatorial flash from the molding process which mayprevent a tight seal from forming. The preferred stopper 62 includes asealing head 63 and a neck 65; head 63 sits against shoulder 59, andspring 64 is attached to neck 65. Spring 64 biases ball stopper 62against shoulder 59 so as to close off flow path 54A from the rest ofthe T-connector unless fluid is introduced into stem 54 at a pressurehigher than the biasing force of spring 64. Stem 54 also includesnotched section 60 and neck portion 61. Seal or gasket 66 is secured tonotch section 60; it is shown in FIGS. 6 and 12 as an O-ring, howeverany type of known sealing means is contemplated as being used (e.g., aflat washer or the like). A rubber retaining ring 68 may be placedaround neck portion 61 and press fit into main body 51 so as keep stem54 in place. Alternatively and preferably, flange 67 can be made muchthicker than shown so as to substantially occupy the space otherwisetaken up by ring 68, thereby obviating the need for a retaining ring atall. Although this is the preferred check valve, any convenient checkvalve may be employed.

The preferred material for constructing the inventive T-connector isdie-cast zinc. Main body 51 is preferably swaged around stems 52 and 54(or just stem 54 if stem 52 is integral with main body 51), therebydeforming a lip of material around the stems.

In operation, the invention works as follows. The user attachesconnector 44 to the service port of an automobile air conditioner, thusallowing refrigerant from the air conditioner to flow into connector 44,through hose section 40B, enter flow path 52A, and pass into flow path56A. By doing so, the user is able to read the pressure level from theservice port on gauge 70. If the pressure reading is lower than apredetermined level, the user may add refrigerant extremely easilysimply by depressing button 36. The force of the pressurized chemicalsfrom container 22 overcomes the biasing force of spring 64 and liftsball stopper 62 off of shoulder 59. The pressurized chemicals are forcedinto flow path 52A and out of stem 52, through hose 40B, and into theair conditioner. The user releases button 36, and the pressure gauge 70provides a reading of the new pressure of the air conditioner. If thelevel is still too low, the above steps are repeated until the desiredlevel is achieved.

Having described the invention with reference to the drawings, it shouldbe understood that the scope of the invention is not limited by thedrawings but rather is defined by the claims appearing hereinbelow.Variations and modifications to the above description that would beobvious to one skilled in the art are contemplated as within the scopeof the invention.

1. An automobile air conditioner servicing device, comprising; apressurized container of at least one chemical addable to the airconditioner, said container having a first valve; an actuator coupled tosaid first valve that selectively opens said first valve; a hose havinga first end and a second end, said first end connected to said actuatorand said second end coupleable to a service port of the air conditioner;a T-connector disposed in said hose having an inlet in communicationwith said first end of said hose, a first outlet, a second outlet incommunication with said second end of said hose, and a check valve; anda pressure gauge connected to said first outlet of said T-connector andin communication with said second end of said hose, wherein when saidsecond end is coupled to an automobile air conditioner service port andsaid actuator is not activated, said pressure gauge measures a pressureof the air conditioner, and when said second end is coupled to anautomobile air conditioner service port and said actuator is activated,said at least one chemical is released from said pressurized containerand into the air conditioner via said hose and the service port.
 2. Anautomobile air conditioner servicing device according to claim 1,wherein said check valve is biased closed to enable flow in from saidsecond outlet to said first outlet to enable communication between theservice port and said gauge.
 3. An automobile air conditioner servicingdevice according to claim 2, wherein when said actuator is activated,said pressurized chemical released from said container overcomes thebias of said check valve and exits said T-connector via said secondoutlet.
 4. An automobile air conditioner servicing device according toclaim 3, wherein said check valve comprises: a stopper scatable on ashoulder; and a spring biasing said stopper onto said shoulder to closesaid valve.
 5. An automobile air conditioner servicing device accordingto claim 1, said first end of said hose being permanently connected tosaid actuator.
 6. An automobile air conditioner servicing deviceaccording to claim 5, said actuator being permanently connected to saidcontainer.
 7. An automobile air conditioner servicing device accordingto claim 1, said first and of said hose being removably connected tosaid actuator.
 8. An automobile air conditioner servicing deviceaccording to claim 7, said actuator being removably connected to saidcontainer.
 9. An automobile air conditioner servicing device accordingto claim 1, wherein said container is an aerosol can and said firstvalve includes a valve stem.
 10. An automobile air conditioner servicingdevice according to claim 9, said actuator comprising: a housingpress-fittable onto a shoulder of said pressurized container; and abutton attached to said housing in a cantilever matter, said buttonincluding a fluid flow path in communication with said valve stem andsaid first end of said hose.
 11. An automobile air conditioner servicingdevice according to claim 3, said hose further comprising: a firstsection of hose connected between said actuator and said inlet of saidT-connector; and a second section of hose connected between said secondoutlet of said T-connector and a coupler connectable to the automobileair conditioner service port.
 12. A portable after-market device formeasuring an amount of refrigerant in an automobile air conditioner andadding additional refrigerant thereinto, comprising: a pressurizedcontainer of at least refrigerant addable to the air conditioner, saidcontainer having a first valve; an actuator coupled to said first valvethat selectively opens said first valve; a hose having a first end and asecond end, said first end connected to said actuator and said secondend coupleable to a service port of the air conditioner; a T-connectordisposed in said hose having an inlet in communication with said firstend of said hose, a first outlet, a second outlet in communication withsaid second end of said hose, and a check valve; and a pressure gaugeconnected to said first outlet of said T-connector and in communicationwith said second end of said hose, wherein when said second end iscoupled to an automobile air conditioner service port and said actuatoris not activated, said pressure gauge measures a pressure of therefrigerant in the air conditioner, and when said second end is coupledto an automobile air conditioner service port and said actuator isactivated, refrigerant is released from said pressurized container,overcomes a bias of said check valve, and enters into the airconditioner via said hose and the service port.
 13. A portableafter-market device for measuring an amount of refrigerant in anautomobile air conditioner and adding additional refrigerant thereintoaccording to claim 12, wherein said container is an aerosol can and saidfirst valve includes a valve stem, said actuator comprising: a housingpress-fittable onto a shoulder of said pressurized container, and abutton attached to said housing in a cantilever matter, said buttonincluding a fluid flow path in communication with said valve stem andsaid first end of said hose.
 14. An automobile air conditioner servicingdevice, said device connectable to a valved aerosol pressurizedcontainer of at least one chemical addable to the air conditioner,comprising: an actuator coupled to the container valve that selectivelyopens the container valve; a hose having a first end and a second end,said first end connected to said actuator and said second end coupleableto a service port of the air conditioner; a T-connector disposed in saidhose having an inlet in communication with said first end of said hose,a first outlet, a second outlet in communication with said second end ofsaid hose, and a check valve; and a pressure gauge connected to saidfirst outlet of said T-connector and in communication with said secondend of said hose, wherein when said second end is coupled to anautomobile air conditioner service port and said actuator is notactivated, said pressure gauge measures a pressure of the airconditioner, and when said second end is coupled to an automobile airconditioner service port and said actuator is activated, said at leastone chemical is released from said pressurized container and into theair conditioner via said hose and the service port.
 15. An automobileair conditioner servicing device according to claim 14, wherein saidactuator is adapted to snap onto a shoulder of an aerosol container. 16.An automobile air conditioner servicing device according to claim 14,wherein said actuator includes a threaded nozzle.